Measurements of Wave-Induced Fluctuations on Underwater Radiance under Various Surface Boundary Conditions
Abstract
This project is part of Radiance in a Dynamic Ocean (RaDyO) program which aims at developing a comprehensive understanding of variability in the underwater radiance distribution and its relation to dynamic processes within the ocean-atmosphere boundary layer. The principal objective of this project is to measure and quantitatively characterize the wave-induced fluctuations in underwater radiance under various sea-surface boundary conditions. The specific objectives include the characterization of radiance fluctuations as a function of various environmental and instrumental parameters such as wind/wave conditions, sky radiance distribution, direction of radiance observation relative to sun position and wind direction, depth of observation, and water optical properties. Because of the complexity of the problem and multiplicity of factors affecting the measured radiance field, we are aware that a full detailed characterization of all these effects is unrealistic within the timeframe of the RaDyO program. Therefore, we anticipate that our study will focus on selected specific objectives and environmental factors as the project progresses beyond the initial phase of experiments. One of the central questions will be to characterize fluctuations in radiance at shallow depths caused by surface wave focusing under clear skies. These are the most intense fluctuations in underwater light field and their temporal scales range from a fraction of a second to tens of seconds. Specific objective for this reporting period was the development of a multi-sensor radiometer system for high-frequency measurements of underwater radiance distribution under a wind-disturbed sea surface.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA573363
Entities
People
- Dariusz Stramski
Organizations
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography